Although there are countless laws you are expected to follow and know while on the road, there are a few that are still a bit confusing for many drivers or difficult to recall. Specifically, a 4 way stop.
Some of the first traffic laws covered in driving school are four-way stops, or intersections where all four directions of traffic must stop. However, many drivers will forget who should go first. When you approach one of these intersections, one of the best ways to avoid collisions, road rage, and frustration is to have a solid understanding of the rules of four-way stops, which we will cover in the following article.
If you have questions or were involved in a collision at a four-way stop, please contact us today at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Our car accident lawyers can give you advice and help you determine who is at fault. We have many years of experience and can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Important Things To Remember Regarding 4 Way Stops
Below are guidelines for who has the right of way when you find yourself at a four-way stop intersection.
First There Is First To Go
The first vehicle to approach the stop sign is the first vehicle that may proceed. Each vehicle should pass through the intersection in the order they came if they are all halting at the intersection at different times. A car's direction of travel is also irrelevant. You wait in line and don't cut in front of others, the same way you would do in any situation when you're waiting in line.
If Two Vehicles Arrive at Same Time, Tie Goes to the Right
Sometimes two vehicles will stop at an intersection simultaneously. The car to the right has the right-of-way under the law. The vehicles that arrived at the intersection simultaneously pass through the intersection first if another vehicle has since pulled up.
Going Straight Goes Before Any Turns
It relies on the two cars' respective travel directions if two cars are stopped across an intersection from one another and neither has a car to its right. They can move at the same time without any issues if they are both traveling straight. The vehicle traveling straight has the right of way if another vehicle is turning.
Right First, Then Left
When two vehicles pull up to a four-way intersection immediately across from one another and one is turning right and the other is driving left, the car turning right has the right-of-way. It's natural for the vehicle heading right to go first because they are the closest to the lane of traffic since they are both attempting to enter into it.
Other Things To Remember
At a four-way stop, communication is the key to staying safe. The laws that establish right-of-way depending on turning direction demonstrate the importance of signaling. If there is any doubt about whose turn it is, wave traffic through or motion for them to proceed to let them know that you intend to stop for them to go before going yourself.
Even if you have the right-of-way, you must yield to an aggressive driver who enters the intersection thinking it is their turn. The laws were implemented to help maintain traffic flow while keeping everyone safe. It's important to know when it's your turn, but don't let your concern for how things should go prevent you from driving safely.
Call Us If You Have Been Involved in an Intersection Accident
Car accidents can and will happen. If you've been hurt, legal representation can help you get the compensation you are legally entitled to. The team at Brandon J. Broderick has the experience and knowledge of how car accident claims play out. We can help maximize your claim.
Call us today for a free consultation. You have no obligation, but a phone call is the first step at resolving your case.